Rightist MK Yitzhak Levi announces resignation from politics

MK Rabbi Yitzhak Levy on Wednesday announced his resignation from political life, declaring he will not run for a place on the right-wing Habayit Hayehudi party list.

"I'm not 'slamming the door' as I leave, but rather hope and pray for [the party's] success," said Levi, a former education minister National Religious Party chairman.

The hardline politician made the announcement following the new party's recent decision not to hold primary elections for its Knesset list and leadership.

Levy said that, "holding primary elections would light the way. I thought the public should be involved. We eventually settled on holding primary elections only for party leadership, but the party's public council rejected this decision as well."

The party council's decision not to hold primary elections was almost unanimous, but nevertheless caused a split within the party that was established only several weeks ago.

MKs Uri Ariel and Tzvi Hendel have also threatened to quit.

Despite the crisis in the newly-formed national-religious party, the council has stayed firm in its decision to choose its chairman and MKs without a primary. It has promised to consider the wishes of the public, which has been invited to cast its vote on the party's internet site.